Yellow Fever outbreak in Isiolo.

Yellow Fever in Isiolo
Yellow Fever in Isiolo

Isiolo is a town in Isiolo county. It is the largest city in the county. The town has top tourist attractions. For instance, Lewa Wildlife Conservancy. Kenya has announced an outbreak of yellow fever in Isiolo. Spread by mosquitoes, Yellow Fever is a deadly disease. Therefore, it is a viral infection. The first case of the outbreak was reported on January 12, 2022. However, there was no alert. This deadly disease has already killed 3 people. This is a report from the Ministry of Health. However, infections have spread to 15 people. The majority of the sick people are young males. The analysis was at Kenya Medical Research Institute. The cases are in Merti and Garbatulla. These are sub-counties in Isiolo.

Therefore, neighboring countries are at risk of contracting the disease. They include: Wajir, Turkana, Garissa, Marsabit, Marakwet Baringo and West Pokot. The last case of Yellow Fever in Kenya was from 1992-to 1993 in South Kerio valley. Ministry of Health plans to carry out vaccination in these areas. The vaccines that are in the county are not enough to handle the cases. Therefore, the Ministry of Health plans to buy more.

Symptoms of Yellow Fever.

  • Fever.
  • Headache.
  • Muscle pain with backache.
  • Loss of appetite.
  • A feeling of nausea or vomiting.
  • Jaundice.

Once a person contracts the disease, the virus incubates in the body for three to six days. However, the symptoms disappear from three to four days. Only a small proportion of patients develop severe symptoms and die within seven to ten days. Different types of mosquitoes transmit the infection.

Measures that have been undertaken.

The Heath Executive in Isiolo said that health officers have been sent to the place. So, they may take samples that will help to determine the spread of the disease. In addition, diagnosis of the disease is through a laboratory test. It is difficult to determine the disease during the early stages. This is because it can be confused with diseases such as malaria. Yellow fever has no cure. However, vaccines help patients.

Remedies.

There is no treatment for yellow fever. However, infected patients should take a lot of rest. Similarly, they should drink a lot of water and take painkillers. The pain killers help to get rid of the fever and headaches.

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